Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Regional Professional Studies (Bunbury)

School: Regional Professional Studies

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Marine Environmental Issues

• Unit Code

  SST3232

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

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Description

Contemporary issues that are pertinent to the local and the global marine environment are considered in this unit. Environmental problems that are relevant to the coastal zone are emphasised. A field study involving water testing and water quality is an important assessment feature of the unit.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Collect, collate and analyse data to produce a relevant scientific report.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities associated with the marine environment.
3. Develop a practical insight into a local aquatic environmental issue.
4. Explain management strategies of marine environmental problems from an interdisciplinary perspective.
5. Identify and describe significant marine environmental issues.
6. Outline the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of a local community environmental issue.

Unit Content

1. Climate change.
2. Coastal wetlands.
3. Coral bleaching.
4. Fishing.
5. Maritime and atmospheric pollution.
6. Shark / human interactions.
7. The freshwater resource.
8. Water monitoring.
9. Whaling.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures, tutorials and fieldwork. Team work and collaboration are important elements of the water testing fieldwork in this unit. Engagement with the Department of Water provides industry familiarity and connectivity.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• Brennan, S. & Withgott, J. (2005). Environment; the science behind the stories. San Francisco: Pearson.
• Jackson, A.R. & Jackson, J.M. (2000). Environmental science; the natural environment and human impact. Essex: Pearson Education.
• Jones, G.J. (2004). People and environment. Essex: Prentice Hall.
• Wright, R.T. (2008). Environmental science. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
• McConnell, R.L. & Abel, D.C. (2008). Environmental issues; an introduction to sustainability. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
• Nybakken, J.W. & Bertness, M.D. (2005). Marine biology; An ecological approach. San Francisco: Pearson Education.
• Trujillo, A. P. & Thurman, H. V. (2014). Essentials of oceanography. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.
• Lutgens, F.K. & Tarbuck, E.J. (2014). The atmosphere: An introduction to meteorology. New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

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